Reproductive coercion is the deception, lying, or deceit by one sexual partner of the other regarding the partners’ agreed birth control and sexually-transmitted-disease-protection practices. Reproductive coercion can take many forms, and may be perpetrated by women or men. For example, one partner may falsely represent to the other partner the use or continued use of birth control, or otherwise sabotage the partners’ agreed birth control practices. Although this behavior may result in nonconsensual sexual contact, the law generally does not recognize rape or fraud charges based on such behavior—due in part to the difficulty in proving such matters. And the allegation or proof of such behavior will not change a parent’s child support obligations.

In Indiana, as in many states, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a distinct criminal offense. However, certain aspects of reproductive coercion may fall under broader criminal statutes related to sexual assault or battery if the behavior involves force or coercion. For example, if reproductive coercion includes nonconsensual sexual contact, it could potentially be prosecuted under Indiana's sexual assault laws. Despite this, the deception or sabotage of birth control by itself is not typically addressed by criminal law, largely due to the challenges in proving intent and the private nature of such actions. Furthermore, Indiana law maintains that once a child is born, both parents have a financial responsibility to support the child, regardless of the circumstances of conception. This means that even if reproductive coercion is alleged or proven, it does not absolve a parent from child support obligations.